12/4/14

Konga #1 - Steve Ditko art

Konga v1 #1, 1960 - Adapting the film of the same name, this issue was published ahead of its movie premiere to generate interest. A scientist survives a crash-landing in Africa, finding himself lost and alone. He soon befriends a monkey, who leads him to a tribe that has perfected an evolutionary growth serum. Although an blatant copy of King Kong, Steve Ditko nonetheless delivers an exceptional work. His draftsmanship and attention to detail permeate nearly every panel. The opening splash is particularly good, depicting the colossal Konga amidst a full-on military attack. The artist's use of odd forms and shapes (see interior page below) nicely capture the exotic feel of uncharted jungles and lost tribes. This story was later reprinted in Fantastic Giants v2 #24. This is number 1 of 14 Konga issues with Ditko art and/or covers. - - - - - - - - - -"Konga"Ditko story pencils and inks20 pages = *****